The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) seeks an experienced Director of Development to lead and grow the organization’s fundraising efforts. This role will establish a fundraising strategy, set and meet revenue goals, and cultivate relationships with donors, partners, vendors, members, and colleagues. The Director will actively participate in fundraising campaigns and events and support outreach goals. 

The Organization  

Formed in 1933, NAHRO is a membership organization of over 26,000 housing and community development agencies and individuals across the country. Collectively, its members manage and preserve 3 million affordable homes serving 8 million people in urban, rural, and suburban communities. For more information about NAHRO, please visit the website: www.nahro.org. 

Vision

Thriving communities with affordable homes for all.

Mission

To advance the creation of strong, sustainable, equitable, and affordable communities through advocacy, professional development, and empowerment of our diverse members.

The Position

The Director of Development reports to the CEO and COO and is a key member of NAHRO’s leadership team. This position is essential in shaping and executing the organization’s fundraising strategy. The Director leads all development activities, including setting strategies, managing the departmental budget, and cultivating individual and institutional support to advance NAHRO’s mission and financial sustainability. 

While currently a one-person department, the Director will be responsible for building a culture of philanthropy across the organization and laying the groundwork for future growth. The Director will also be instrumental in forging new relationships to elevate NAHRO’s visibility and impact as well as designing a comprehensive plan for strategic alliances and revenue generation. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and execute the annual fundraising plan, with the goal of raising $1 million in year one.
• Proactively partner with Department Leadership and board members on all major fundraising initiatives, including recruitment, training, and support of the board and advisory council in their fundraising.  
• Actively work with CEO and COO to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to include individual giving, corporate, foundation, government grants, and other revenue sources.  
• Collaborate with the CEO and COO to develop and implement NAHRO’s financial strategy.  
• Serve as staff liaison to NAHRO’s Corporate Member Council.
• Develop and execute all funding proposals; write and archive all proposals with a long-term relationship-management approach.  
• Oversee research into appropriate new funding sources and philanthropic trends to help position NAHRO ahead of major funding changes or trends.  
• Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program.  
• In partnership with NAHRO’s Communications Department, produce relevant and informative fundraising literature for wide distribution. 
• Develop or oversee the creation and timely distribution of donor and prospect communications.
• Create and manage fundraising events, acquire and manage volunteers, and manage relationships with third-party vendors. 
• Develop ‘friend-raising’ events that provide fiscal growth and engagement of new and current donors.
• Manage Donor database, Donor Search, and associated fundraising platforms.
• Oversee the fundraising process and maintain records of receipts and disbursements of funds in alignment with NAHRO’s Gift Acceptance Policy.  
• Communicate metrics for donor retention, new donor acquisition, and average gift value.  
• Grow the development team when the budget allows, as appropriate.  

Experience and Attributes

• Direct experience securing major gifts, cultivating individual donors, and increasing support from existing donors. 
• Demonstrated ability to prospect, cultivate, and manage new funding sources. 
• Experience working with high-net-worth donors and foundation representatives. Effective relationships builder with donors and volunteers.  
• Proven track record of developing and executing winning fundraising strategies and techniques across all fundraising verticals and achieving revenue targets.  
• Experience being a part of an organization’s senior management team  
• High energy, positive, “can-do” attitude, sincere affinity for the mission, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail; high degree of initiative.  
• Entrepreneurial approach, including the communication, financial, and technical skills needed to effectively communicate and implement the development and marketing plan.
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.  
• Style and approach to tasks that inspires confidence and supports effective leadership.  
• Ability to initiate, sustain, and monitor multiple tasks and see them through to a successful conclusion.  
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and thoroughly understand strategic development best practices.  
• Strong partnership-building and event planning skills.   
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and manage volunteers.  

Education and/or Experience   

• College degree or professional equivalent. CFRE Certification preferred.  
• 10+ years of professional experience in a nonprofit organization, 5+ years of fundraising, with 5+ years in a management role.    
• Demonstrated experience establishing moves management and overseeing a fundraising database.  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.  
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.  
• Ability to represent NAHRO professionally and authentically.  
• High energy and passion for NAHRO’s mission are essential.  
• Commitment to contributing to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture.  

Application Process  

To apply, email your resume, cover letter, and any accommodation needed for the application and interview process to [email protected]. Resume reviews begin immediately. Only candidates whose experience matches the requirements will be considered.  

The salary range is $120,000 – $145,000. NAHRO offers a generous slate of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, transportation allowances, and retirement.

Please note: This position does not offer visa sponsorship. All applicants must be based within the United States with no relocation costs provided.

NAHRO is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Candidates for employment are considered without regard to race, age, religion, color, gender, national origin, disability, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all facets of employment, including recruiting, employment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, and compensation.